White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse, uneven texture. Features prominent cathedral patterns from flat-sawing and visible tyloses in the pores.
Color Description
Light to medium brown heartwood, often with an olive cast; sapwood is light off-white to light brown. Finishes to a warm golden-yellow with age.
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay due to tyloses that plug the vascular system of the wood.
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, boatbuilding, barrels (cooperage), interior trim, and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on grade and cut.
Wood Age Estimate
5-10 years (Based on the modern milled surface, clear grain definition, and lack of deep oxidation or mechanical wear).
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC certification common.
Workability
Works well with both hand and machine tools. Has a relatively high shrinkage rate but is dimensionally stable once dry. Reacts with iron (rust-colored staining) when wet.
Notable Features
Distinctive tannic scent when worked. Contains high levels of tannins which can cause staining in contact with steel. Exceptional water resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Polyurethane is recommended for durability in flooring; oil-based finishes enhance the depth of the grain.
Identification Confidence
High; the visible large open pores, ring-porous structure, and classic cathedral grain figure are hallmarks of Quercus alba.